Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2018

New International Flushability Standards Released

Guidance Looks to Curb Billion Dollar Damages
Caused By Improperly Flushed Products

(Washington, DC) – Today, the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) – a group of dedicated water professionals seeking to protect customers by providing clear guidance on what should and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet – released its official Flushability Specifications, in an effort to curb the problem of improperly flushed consumer products; a widespread problem that causes countless sewer disruptions and billions of dollars worldwide in maintenance costs every year. These costs are paid for by every day consumers through their utility bills. 

Additionally, the PAS include conformance to a published Code of Practice for effective labeling and communication of proper disposal methods of hygienic items used in toilet rooms. Many such items, including wipes, are single use products containing plastic that may be harmful to the marine environment.

The updated PAS, which can be downloaded online, deems a product suitable for flushing down the toilet if it meets five criteria, each of which are connected to exhaustive tests that are detailed in the PAS:

1. Environmental protection, including a requirement for no product to contain intentional plastic fibers;
2. Toilet and drain line clearance;
3. Disintegration, with the test replicating hydraulic forces in sewer pipes;
4. Settling and
5. Biodisintegration.

The PAS underwent two rounds of public comment in order to ensure that the PAS standards were both realistic and accepted worldwide. Critical comments were received by both water and wipes manufacturing organizations.

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About the International Water Services Flushability Group

Internationally, water service providers, and the associations and organizations representing them, share a common goal to reduce the problems caused by the inappropriate disposal of customer products down the toilet.  The International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) is a group of water associations, utilities, and professionals seeking to provide clear guidance on what should and should not be flushed down the toilet to protect customers, wastewater systems, their workers, and the environment.

VOTING MEMBERS OF THE IWSFG: 

• Water Services Association of Australia
• Japan Sewage Works Association
• Spanish Water & Wastewater Association
• Canadian Water & Wastewater Association
• National Association of Clean Water Agencies
• Water New Zealand

NON-VOTING WATER SERVICES ASSOCIATES

• City of Vancouver, Washington, U.S.
• Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority, New Jersey, U.S.
• City of London, Ontario, CAN.
• California Association of Sanitation Agencies, U.S.

OTHER NON-VOTING ASSOCIATES

• Swim Drink Fish, CAN.
• Fatih Karadagli, Sakarya University, Turkey
• Verdant Water, U.S.